Boise levy won nearly 81% support; city projects $11 million for open space, water and pathways

Sarah Arkel, director of the Boise Parks and Recreation Department, told the commission Nov. 20 that Boise voters approved the 2025 Clean Water and Open Space levy earlier this month with almost 81% support.

Arkel said the temporary property‑tax increase will raise $11,000,000 across two years, to be collected in 2026 and 2027, and that the funds are intended to be flexible so the department can partner with the community to acquire open space and habitat, support clean‑water and restoration projects on the Boise River, create pollinator gardens and invest in foothills fire mitigation.

“The fund will allow us to be proactive in meeting the goals of the pathways plan that our council passed in 2022,” Arkel said, describing pathway expansions that would help connect neighborhoods to parks and activity centers. She added that about 30% of the city’s drinking water comes from the Boise River, and that projects in the watershed can help protect that source.

Arkel framed the levy as the third such funding measure in 25 years that enables the city to respond to opportunities the annual budget cycle does not allow. She thanked council and staff for their work and noted the measure’s high voter support as evidence of community commitment to parks and open space.

The director did not identify specific parcels or projects to be purchased with levy funds at this meeting; she said staff will work with the community to prioritize acquisitions and projects, including pathways and fire mitigation in the foothills.

Next steps: staff will integrate levy resources into planning and budget requests and pursue partnerships and grant opportunities to stretch the funds. The commission did not take a formal vote on allocations at the Nov. 20 meeting.